The assessment of sustainability in Polish banks

Bogna JANIK

WSB University in Poznan, Poland

Abstrakt

Research background: The issue of sustainable activities of banks is significant because after the last global financial crisis of 2007 (2007 GFC) they have become a symbol of speculation and injustice. These are the financial intermediaries that are blamed for the failure to apply social responsibility standards. Furthermore, the analysis of the literature of the subject confirms the higher standards of social responsibility in developed countries compared with developing ones. Therefore, the question of the level of implementation of social responsibility standards by financial intermediaries in Poland is justified. Goal of the article: The main objective of the study is to identify and assess some chosen aspects of socially responsible activities of the banks listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The scope of this analysis encompasses all dimensions illustrating banks’ activities in terms of social responsibility. Methodology/methods: The analysis of the investigated dilemma was based mainly on the desk research of digital and documentary sources. Findings and Value added: The results indicate relatively huge differences in the implementation of sustainability standards in Polish banks and high dispersion compared to the banks in developed countries. The findings indicate that banks in Poland should focus on increasing sustainability standards, especially in their product offer.

Słowa kluczowe:

social banking, Visegrad Group (V4), sustainable indices, valuebased banking